Pharmacologic Category: Vitamin, Water Soluble

Acceptable routes : IM;  (ONLY certain prepared Cyanocobalamin can go IV)

Mechanism of Action:   Coenzyme for various metabolic functions, including fat and carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis, used in cell replication and hematopoiesis

Benefits:

Mood Health: Acts as a methyl donor and increases the synthesis of s-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e), a nutrient that has powerful mood and sleep-cycle regulating properties. 

Energy/Metabolism Support: Plays a large role as a cofactor in enzymes involved in the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and is required to produce succinyl CoA, an intermediary in the Krebs cycle that generates cellular energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Due to its role in the production of ATP, vitamin B12 deficiency is often characterized by fatigue and weakness.

Musculoskeletal Health/Anti-Aging/Neurotransmitter Support: Supports the formation of the protective myelin sheath, the insulating exterior that speeds up nerve cell transmission, improvement in muscle aches, fatigue, sensitivity to pain, circulation, muscle cramps and reflexes.Due to B12’s ability to increase the production of neurotransmitters and nerve cell transmission, B12 has been shown to improve cognitive function

Cardiovascular Health:Important with maintaining healthy homocysteine balance is crucial for supporting arterial and cardiovascular health. 

Sleep Support:Modulates melatonin secretion and helps to normalize the sleep-wake cycle. It is a required nutrient for the biosynthesis of melatonin, the hormone that helps induce sleep.

Typical Population that would benefit from B12:Vitamin B12 is important in the maintenance of our metabolism, blood cells, nerve function as well as DNA health. It also helps your body produce energy by converting carbohydrates into glucose.Certain health conditions such as intestinal or stomach problems/previous gastric surgeries or malabsorption issues, poor nutrition (think of semaglutide patients) ,cancer, HIV, pregnancy, elderly, veganism, and alcoholism can cause vitamin B12 deficiency.

Side Effects/Precautions: This product usually has no side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if anything unusual occurs. Cyanocobalamin  specifically does not naturally exist in foods owing to the presence of cyanide, which is absent in the natural form of the vitamin. Any allergies to cobalt is a contraindication for cyanocobalamin. Other precautions include those with a hx of Leber’s optic neuropathy, polycythemia, gout or hypokalemia.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Signs of low potassium levels like muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or a heartbeat that does not feel normal.

• Chest pain.

• Feeling cold in the arms or legs.

• Swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm.

• Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.

• Change in balance.

• A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.

• Change in eyesight.
  

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak.

• Headache.

• Feeling nervous and excitable.

• Diarrhea, upset stomach, or throwing up.

• Joint pain.

• Signs of a common cold.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Injection:

• It is given as a shot into a muscle or into the fatty part of the skin.

• If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.

• Keep taking this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

• Wash your hands before and after use.

• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.

• Do not use if solution changes color.

• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Injection:

• If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.

• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.

• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.

• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.